Panama was a key shipping point between Latin America and colonial Spain from

the 16th to the 19th centuries, resulting in a cultural, architectural and linguistic
influence that exists today. Thousands of tourists visit Panama each year thanks to
key attractions such as La Amistad National Park, Playa Blanca Beach and the
Panama Canal. Those seeking to explore Panama's most popular tourist-friendly
cities will find each offers distinct style, geography and sub-culture.
Panama City
Panama City is a thriving metropolis and the capital of Panama, rich with shopping
centers, restaurants and nightlife. The city is split into three distinct sections: the
downtown skyscrapers, the colonial-era Casco Viejo and the ruins of the original
16th century Panama City in Panama Viejo. Architectural feats such as the
Panama Canal and Bridge of the Americas are also found here.
David
David is Panama's third-largest city and capital of the Chiriqui province. The
popular tourist city is situated on a beautiful coastal plain near the Costa Rican
border and allows easy access to the Bocas del Toro archipelago. Several resorts,
cattle farms and a central city park are located here, while popular events include
an annual industrial fair and the Children's Day Festival.
Colon
Colon is Panama's largest port city, nestled along the Caribbean coast at the
mouth of the Panama Canal, and is the second-largest Panamanian city by land
area. Named for Christoph such as Isla Grande and Playa Langosta. Fishing,
surfing, snorkeling and scuba diving are popular activities here.
Santiago
Santiago is located in the southern part of Veraguas province and is its capital city.
Playa Santa Catalina is the prime tourist spot in Santiago thanks to its picturesque
black sand beaches, while the downtown area offers an abundance of authentic
colonial buildings. The city is also easy to access through the Ruben Cantu Airport,
servicing domestic and international flights.
Penonome
Penonome, capital of the Cocle province, is only 75 minutes from Panama City. It
boasts a mild tropical climate all year round and features a rich Indian history.
Tourists can explore the city's charming streets, which bustle with annual festivals
dedicated to tomatoes, oranges and sugarcane. Also, a number of orchards,
ranches and rolling hills rich with wildlife lie on its outskirts.
Portobelo
Portobelo, meaning "Beautiful Port," was named by Christopher Columbus and is
heavy in Spanish art and architecture. This seaside city in Colon province houses
several Spanish forts, the largest of which, San Jeronimo, was used to hide stolen
Incan artifacts and boasts 18 cannons. Portobelo is also known for the Church San
Felipe, home to a statue of the Black Christ.
Chitre
Chitre, founded in 1848 and capital of the Herrera province, is central to many
other towns such as Parita, Ocu and Santa Maria. Visitors can enjoy the Herrera
Museum, detailing the history of the area, as well as the hot springs of Cirugia
National Park. The large English-speaking population and a comfortable, easy-to-
use public transit system also make Chitre appealing to tourists.
La Palma
La Palma is the densely populated capital city of Darien province, offering
vacationers top-rate travel facilities, modern Western amenities and regular
transportation to and from Panama City. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate La
Palma's mountains, beaches and tropical jungles. Fashionable activities include
canoeing, hiking and fishing in the Tuira or Chucunaque rivers.
Vacamonte
Vacamonte is a port city in the western portion of the country's Pacific region, with
a year-round maritime climate and lush natural setting. Deep-sea fishing is
particularly popular here, both commercially and for leisure, with urel, tuna, shrimp
and shark among the most common game. White sand beaches and turquoise
waters lure scores of sunbathers.
Cristobal
The port city of Cristobal neighbors Colon, nestled on a narrow isthmus that
connects Manzanillo Island with the mainland. The city's major point of interest is
the Panama Canal, although visitors interested in local culture will also find a vast
marketplace selling handmade goods such as baskets, jewelry, clothes and wood
carvings. January through March offers the best weather.